Construction was authorized in 1742 by the Province of Maryland to provide a "Chapel of Ease" for early inhabitants of the Garrison Forest.

It had a wide, brick paved, center aisle and white box pews, both of which remain.

In 1891 transepts and a small, barrel shaped, chancel were added, changing the simple rectangle into a cruciform.

There are lancet windows in the east end, one created by John LaFarge depicting the Ascension.

This included the addition of a narthex to the liturgical west, providing access both to the church and to a new basement.